Five reasons why I love jackdaws

This is a post from my days of writing for a UK environmental NGO. It's disappeared from their site so republishing here.

The 100 mph storm we had here in North Wales late last year was the final tipping point. After months of dithering, we fitted cowls over our chimneys to reduce the noise and drafts. Shortly after, I noticed a jackdaw taking a particular interest in the newly built accommodation. Thankfully, of the two vacancies available, it chose the disused chimney - and over the last few months there's been plenty of evidence of it raising a family there with its partner.

During their residency, I've really grown to appreciate these characterful birds. Here's a few reasons why:

1.   Free alarm clock

I'm regularly woken by the noisy clatter of tiny claw steps on the roof at around 5 am, followed by a scrabble to lift off and a smugly raucous caw. As an early riser, I'm grateful for the provision of this thoughtful service. My night owl wife is not quite so impressed.

2.  Dedicated parents

One morning I spotted one of the pair swinging alarmingly on our washing line during high winds and driving rain - using it as a staging post before grabbing discarded bread on the floor for the littl'uns. It was every bit as gripping as some of the stunt sequences in Mission Impossible III.  

3. They bring gifts

It didn't take a great detective to work out who was responsible for the small clump of black sheep's wool I discovered outside of our front door. Or to solve the mystery of the lady's battered earring lying on a nearby stone wall. Jackdaws love to collect shiny things for their nests.

4.  Generosity

They are not just kind to us, their hosts, but also to each other. Jackdaws are more likely to share their food with others than chimpanzees.

5.   Warm welcome

I've come to realise that we are guests in the Jackdaw's land, rather than vice versa. It turns out, we are not the only householder in our street playing host to a family. We’re grateful for their welcome!

Jackdaws have left their mark on local tradition here in my part of Wales. Interestingly, people born within the walls of nearby Conwy castle are known as jackdaws because of the birds nesting in the ramparts. And because of their fondness for nesting in churches, jackdaws have traditionally been regarded as a sacred bird which kept the Devil away, and kept local people safe from harm.